Lost My Car Keys? Here's What to Do

No matter how well-organized you are, there comes a time when you lose your car keys. It's important to be prepared for this scenario.

It is recommended to contact a locksmith, or a dealership, depending on the vehicle. These professionals can create a replacement key for your vehicle.

1. Retract Your Steps

There are few things more frustrating than losing the keys to your car. It can ruin your entire day, create anxiety and even trigger unsavory phonecalls from strangers. Losing your keys is something that could happen to anyone regardless of how well organized you are.

The ideal scenario is that they end up exactly where you left them (Parent Logic would argue this is always the case). However the situation could be more serious. If you lose your keys, it is essential to remain calm and follow the steps.

It is also important to remember that most things won't disappear forever, and they're often found in some very unusual places. So, before taking extreme measures it's best to go back and search thoroughly. To accomplish this, it's a good idea to carry a flashlight to aid you in searching dark corners and drawers. You could also ask someone to assist you in your search, because a second pair of eyes can be extremely helpful.

1. Check the Inside

If you can't find your keys after retracing your steps and examining common areas such as key hooks, examine the pockets, bags and jackets that you recently wore or used. If you lost your keys in a store and you are unsure of where to find them, ask other customers or employees if they've noticed something different.

It might seem obvious to check your bags and pockets for the missing car keys, but it's important to do it in a thorough manner. Empty your pockets, including those on purses and jackets. Feel around every zippered area. It's also recommended to go through the trash and recycling bin in the event that keys got lost in your bag and got crushed by something other.

It may be helpful to go back time and look around for areas where you know they aren't like the refrigerator or freezer. Many items get lost when we look for something but then we take it away and then forget about it.

1. Check the Outside

You've had a tough day and just want to get back home, change into your comfortable sweats, have pizza, and watch your favorite TV show. You discover that your car keys are missing.

Make sure you check your desks and pockets that are too filled with. It's also common to lose your keys in a messy spot like on the handle of a door or in the refrigerator, so make sure you've checked these places.

Under the car is another favorite place to hide. If you decide to hide your keys there, make sure that you can open the gas cap on your car from the outside. Otherwise, a thief may be able to see the keys you have hidden under your car.

You can also store your keys in a corner on the dashboard or under the seats. Be sure that you don't place them too tight as you might accidentally crush them as you shut the door of your car.

1. Call the police

It is easy to lose things when we are distracted. You could be running an errand and you have put your keys on the seat, or you might just require two hands free to pick up a bag of groceries. It happens to everyone.

When you lose something, it's crucial to call the police right immediately. You can then submit a police report in order to protect your car from theft. This is crucial in the event that you have lost your keys outside your home, at the store or any other place in public.

Be sure to retrace every step before you begin. Recreate the scene that you experienced when you last looked at your keys in your mind. It's also recommended to inquire of other people in the area whether they have seen your car keys. This will keep your car safe and deter others from stealing it. (This could result in additional costs, such as the purchase of new locks for doors and ignition). It is a good idea in the event that you have an extra car key to make a duplicate in the event that you lose it again.

1. Call for a locksmith

Many people forget where they put their keys, particularly when they're distracted or in a rush. There are a few basic things you can try to aid.

Start by retracing the steps you've taken and searching in the places where you think they might have been left. If you're still struggling to find them, try searching inside the car. It's not uncommon for people to lose their keys under the visor or on the keychain.

Lastly, call locksmiths to find out if they can assist you in finding your lost keys. They may be able to make you a new key or even change the locks on your home if needed. They have the tools and expertise to remove bent or broken keys from locked doors.

When you do call a locksmith, be prepared to show proof of the ownership of your vehicle. This includes your registration or title. It could take for several days for a dealership to send you a replacement key, according to your particular situation.

1. Call Your Insurance Agent

There are times that you'll lose your car keys and it can put a massive downer on your day. It might be that you were running a quick run and forgot to put them on the seat or maybe you put your key down to grab something and lost track of it.

It's important to report lost keys as soon as possible to the police. lost keys for car will create a paper record and prevent others from using your car without permission. This also helps you avoid getting penalized.

The homeowner's insurance policy could cover your keys if you've reported them as lost to local police. They are considered personal property. But, it's advisable to check with your agent to ensure you're covered before filing an claim.

Consider investing in an Bluetooth tracking device like Apple AirTags or Tiles. This will save you the headache of replacing your car keys and provide you with peace of mind knowing that you always have your keys within reach.

1. Get a Bluetooth Key Tracker

You can lose your keys at any time. You might be running a quick errand, and you forget to put them on the seat. Or, you might be leaving your car after a long day at work and not remember where you placed keys.

Fortunately, there are ways to prevent this from happening in the future. The best method for doing this is by using a Bluetooth key tracker. These tiny devices can be affixed to a wallet or keyring and connect to an app on your smartphone. The app will ring or flash once you open it to assist you in finding your keys. A majority of these Bluetooth trackers also have community functions, so that other people can help you find them if they are lost.

Another great way to avoid losing your keys is to always place them in the same place every time you get home. It doesn't matter whether you put them in an table or hang them on an iron by the door. Making this an habit will make it easier to locate your keys in the future.

1. Get a New Key

It's important to notify your insurance company immediately if you lose your car keys or if they're stolen. You can be sure that your claim will be dealt with properly in the event of any damage to the car in the future.

If you already have a standard (non-chip) key, you can easily get an additional one from any locksmith or hardware store. This is the quickest and most affordable solution.

For more modern cars with a smart key that requires an electronic fob, it may be a bit more challenging. You'll need go to your local dealer to purchase a new key. It could cost you anywhere from $100 to $200 depending on the make and model of your vehicle.

To avoid this, ensure that you have a spare key and keep it somewhere else than your keys. Decluttering your home or office is also a great idea, especially in the areas where you lose things.
lost keys for car